“They have said in private conversation through Oman that they're interested to have this matter being resolved through peaceful means. But at the same time, one can question why the American forces are building up around Iran, why they are using threats, why they resorting to intimidation.”

Lyse Doucet speaks to Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, in an interview recorded before the second round of talks with the US. The talks are aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy.

The latest round of talks follow US-led military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last summer, amid growing concerns that Tehran was pursuing nuclear weapons.

US President Trump has threatened further strikes if a deal cannot be reached, with the US building up its military presence in the region. As concerns grow over the slow pace of current negotiations, the US says Iran is to blame.

The talks also come against a backdrop of ongoing nationwide protests against the Islamic regime in Tehran. According to human rights groups, thousands have been killed by the government in an attempt to quell the uprising. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Iranian author Azar Nafisi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Lyse Doucet Producer: Charlotte Scarr Editor: Damon Rose

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Majid Takht-Ravanchi Credit: SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images)

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister: US giving conflicting signals

The Interview